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Fore Play
Fasten your seatbelts for a rollicking ride with more twists and turns than a bowl of pretzels.
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties. Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament. Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties. Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament. Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
235 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2022
45 people are currently reading
2500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 11, 2022
Linda Sheehan writes such warm and funny books. I enjoyed Decanted, and I think I loved Fore Play even more. Set in Bellstone Country Club in L.A., with a full cast of characters, this story made me feel good, and yes, I definitely laughed a few times (it’s hard to get me to laugh while reading! I usually just crack a smile! 😂).
The overall feel of the book is satire, and in that way, it’s clever and fun. Full of drama and lots of shady dynamics, give Fore Play a read so you can get to know Jody and find out how things turn out for her. And now I’m going to go watch Caddyshack?! Have you seen it? I think it will be just as fun as this book was!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The overall feel of the book is satire, and in that way, it’s clever and fun. Full of drama and lots of shady dynamics, give Fore Play a read so you can get to know Jody and find out how things turn out for her. And now I’m going to go watch Caddyshack?! Have you seen it? I think it will be just as fun as this book was!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 13, 2022
TITLE: FORE PLAY
AUTHOR: Linda Sheehan
PUB DATE: 04.06.2022 Now Available
In DECANTED, author Linda Sheehan immersed her readers in the world of viniculture and fine wine, and in FORE PLAY, Sheehan takes the readers through the beguiling world of Golf via historic Bellstone country club in Los Angeles.
From the cast of characters, and the gold club setting, this read was a romp - hilarious and quite uplifting. I really had fun reading this and spending some time with Mandy and the rest of the odd balls in Fore Play.
Now I am on my way to living the high life as Sheehan takes me from Chianti to Country Club, I can’t wait where her writing takes me next, but I am here waiting for it.
AUTHOR: Linda Sheehan
PUB DATE: 04.06.2022 Now Available
In DECANTED, author Linda Sheehan immersed her readers in the world of viniculture and fine wine, and in FORE PLAY, Sheehan takes the readers through the beguiling world of Golf via historic Bellstone country club in Los Angeles.
From the cast of characters, and the gold club setting, this read was a romp - hilarious and quite uplifting. I really had fun reading this and spending some time with Mandy and the rest of the odd balls in Fore Play.
Now I am on my way to living the high life as Sheehan takes me from Chianti to Country Club, I can’t wait where her writing takes me next, but I am here waiting for it.
August 21, 2022
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lindasheehanauthor for having me on this tour of Fore Play.
Read this if you
⛳️ are an avid golf player
🧔🏻👩🏼 like multiple POVs
❤️ love happy endings
🔥 enjoy a bit of steam in your books
Fore Play is a multi POV story all about the shady characters of the esteemed Bellstone Country Golf Club! Filled with sex, greed, and an endangered bird species, Fore Play is sure to keep you on your toes.
Jody and her husband Derrick have been welcomed back to the club her grandfather found many years ago. After quitting golf after a traumatic event involving her grandfather, her husband Derrick is now insisting she get back into the game.
Mandy is the top women’s golfer at the moment, set to win the upcoming championship tournament for the tenth year running. Desperate to keep her title, Mandy will do anything to come out on top.
Newt, the club president, has been having a hell of a time trying to secure the funds for the club’s newest and unnecessary expansion. When every new idea seems to flop, Newt finds the hole he’s dug is just getting bigger and bigger.
These are only a few of the characters you’ll meet in Fore Play!
I really enjoyed this story! I was always itching to find out what would happen next. Some of the characters are highly unlikeable (as they should be!) so I appreciated how well the author wrote them. I loved Jody (who couldn’t?) and how sweet and down to earth she was. She and Jackson felt like some of the only true to themselves people at this high class country club. While some of the events felt a bit predictable at the end, I always enjoy a happy ending!
Read this if you
⛳️ are an avid golf player
🧔🏻👩🏼 like multiple POVs
❤️ love happy endings
🔥 enjoy a bit of steam in your books
Fore Play is a multi POV story all about the shady characters of the esteemed Bellstone Country Golf Club! Filled with sex, greed, and an endangered bird species, Fore Play is sure to keep you on your toes.
Jody and her husband Derrick have been welcomed back to the club her grandfather found many years ago. After quitting golf after a traumatic event involving her grandfather, her husband Derrick is now insisting she get back into the game.
Mandy is the top women’s golfer at the moment, set to win the upcoming championship tournament for the tenth year running. Desperate to keep her title, Mandy will do anything to come out on top.
Newt, the club president, has been having a hell of a time trying to secure the funds for the club’s newest and unnecessary expansion. When every new idea seems to flop, Newt finds the hole he’s dug is just getting bigger and bigger.
These are only a few of the characters you’ll meet in Fore Play!
I really enjoyed this story! I was always itching to find out what would happen next. Some of the characters are highly unlikeable (as they should be!) so I appreciated how well the author wrote them. I loved Jody (who couldn’t?) and how sweet and down to earth she was. She and Jackson felt like some of the only true to themselves people at this high class country club. While some of the events felt a bit predictable at the end, I always enjoy a happy ending!
July 15, 2022
Linda Sheehan, the author of “Fore Play” has written an entertaining satire filled with wit and dark humor. The genres for this novel are Sports Fiction, Satire, Humor, and Fiction. The setting in this novel takes place in a prestigious Country Club in California, where golf, celebrations, and suspect activities take place. Famous people are encouraged to belong to this club. The symbolic “mascot” for the Bellstone Country Club is White Trumpet Cranes. The timeline for this story is set in 2011(present) and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events.
Linda Sheehan has vividly described the characters, setting, and events to a “tee”. The characters are complex and complicated, quirky, deceitful, greedy, opportunists, cheaters, and unscrupulous. The Bellstone Country Club has become the setting for illegal activity” and all kinds of shenanigans. Most of the “players” in this club have their own agenda. Fortunately most of the planned “criminal activity” tends to backfire or go very wrong causing more havoc. The moral fiber of much of the community is questionable at best.
Jody Benson and her husband are newcomers to the club. Jody was a golf champion in college, her grandfather was a major golfer and influencer in the club in the good old days. Jody inherited her grandfather’s natural athletic talent as well as his integrity. Jody now works in a governmental agency protecting the White Trumpet Crane babies from poaching. I highly recommend “Fore Play” to other readers! This is such a fun, witty, and cleverly written novel. Happy Reading!!
Linda Sheehan has vividly described the characters, setting, and events to a “tee”. The characters are complex and complicated, quirky, deceitful, greedy, opportunists, cheaters, and unscrupulous. The Bellstone Country Club has become the setting for illegal activity” and all kinds of shenanigans. Most of the “players” in this club have their own agenda. Fortunately most of the planned “criminal activity” tends to backfire or go very wrong causing more havoc. The moral fiber of much of the community is questionable at best.
Jody Benson and her husband are newcomers to the club. Jody was a golf champion in college, her grandfather was a major golfer and influencer in the club in the good old days. Jody inherited her grandfather’s natural athletic talent as well as his integrity. Jody now works in a governmental agency protecting the White Trumpet Crane babies from poaching. I highly recommend “Fore Play” to other readers! This is such a fun, witty, and cleverly written novel. Happy Reading!!
August 16, 2022
“Love was out to get me. That’s the way it seems. Disappointment haunted all my dreams.”
With a quirky/shady cast of characters creating shenanigans amidst the highly distinguished game of golf, this is satire at it’s finest. It reminded me of the screwball comedies I watched in the 80’s and 90’s. It had mystery, drama and a ton of giggle worthy moments.
With a quirky/shady cast of characters creating shenanigans amidst the highly distinguished game of golf, this is satire at it’s finest. It reminded me of the screwball comedies I watched in the 80’s and 90’s. It had mystery, drama and a ton of giggle worthy moments.
October 7, 2022
In Foreplay by Linda Sheehan I thought it was gonna be a cute book about golfers but OMG it’s so much more than that. Jody is married to Derek and she wants a baby but he wants her to get her golf game back. She’s also a bird conservation expert who works for the game and forestry department. Her grandfather started Bellstone country club and she cut her teeth on golf irons and also played for Princeton while in college. The accident that took her grandfather‘s life is the reason she hasn’t played in years but thanks to them joining the country club she agrees to start at least practicing. When she arrives a Bell stond she is more than excited to see Mr. Eddie the head caddy and her favorite person center grandfather‘s death… At least at the country club. We also meet President Sizemore he is a lover of wine, golf gambling and women and this is causing problems for the club. Then there’s Mandy Manville the country clubs nine time women’s golf champion and she’s going for her 10th win when we meet them in 2011. She’s married to Monty and Monty is on the country club board with president Sizemore and the shrewd and intelligent Diane sharp Monty isn’t a bad guy but with President Sizemore influence he makes bad decisions. Mandy is a phony she claims to be from South Carolina when in fact she’s from New Jersey she also cheats on Monty, and has no scruples about cheating to win. Which she has done multiple times with past championships. Jody is the only one who can beat her but she’ll have to get past the trauma with the accident first and it looks like the strange loner Jackson is going to help her. He is one of the caddies and one Mr. Eddie makes him Jodis caddy here but instant friendship. Will the wrongdoers get their comeuppance? Will Mandy cheat to win her 10th year in a row and will President Sizemore get away with all his underhanded risky business with the country club? This book was so good I wish I could go on and on about how great this book was. I have five top publishers in Blackrose writing is one of them. I have never been disappointed by a book I got from them and that includes foreplay by Linda Sheehan. This is a truly amazing read and a total five star book! I can’t say how much I absolutely loved and laughed out loud at some of the things in this book so good! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review. If you love comedy fiction you need to read this book.
July 19, 2022
If the fun cover didn’t catch your attention, the racy and rollicking antics on the golf links sure will!
As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think of the ‘80s movie Caddyshack- does anyone remember that one? Anyway, this was a hilarious read about a once prestigious country club that needs a boost.
The men on the board are doing shady things to get the club back to its glorious heyday standing. And then there’s the club’s reigning woman golf champ, who desperately needs to win this year’s championship so she can go to Scotland and play in the Pro-Am, but she has competition this year.
With an amusing cast of characters - Hollywood types, chauvinists, nuns to cranes that need protection - this is just good fun!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lindasheehanauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
As I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think of the ‘80s movie Caddyshack- does anyone remember that one? Anyway, this was a hilarious read about a once prestigious country club that needs a boost.
The men on the board are doing shady things to get the club back to its glorious heyday standing. And then there’s the club’s reigning woman golf champ, who desperately needs to win this year’s championship so she can go to Scotland and play in the Pro-Am, but she has competition this year.
With an amusing cast of characters - Hollywood types, chauvinists, nuns to cranes that need protection - this is just good fun!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lindasheehanauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
July 14, 2022
Here we have another fantastic book from author Linda Sheehan! I loved Decanted and I was so excited to read this one!
First of all, this cover is hilarious! So clever! 😂
Second of all, it's a fast paced book full of flawed characters and funny moments. I know absolutely nothing about golf, but the witty banter was great! And it's not just about golf, obviously... It has a great storyline full of drama, illegal activity, and the typical shenanigans you'd find in a high end country club. Definitely a great read!
First of all, this cover is hilarious! So clever! 😂
Second of all, it's a fast paced book full of flawed characters and funny moments. I know absolutely nothing about golf, but the witty banter was great! And it's not just about golf, obviously... It has a great storyline full of drama, illegal activity, and the typical shenanigans you'd find in a high end country club. Definitely a great read!
June 18, 2022
I loved Linda’s first book so I was so excited to get my hands on this one! The description read steamy and funny so I was in!
I was not let down, I loved the country club setting and the gossip, lies, manipulation and characters that made up Fore Play. While I’m not a fan of golf, Linda did a fantastic job of immersing me in the sport in such a fun way. I could not put this book down, it’s such a perfect juicy summer read!
I was not let down, I loved the country club setting and the gossip, lies, manipulation and characters that made up Fore Play. While I’m not a fan of golf, Linda did a fantastic job of immersing me in the sport in such a fun way. I could not put this book down, it’s such a perfect juicy summer read!
dnf-shelf
February 12, 2025DNF
Thought it would be a funny read and downloaded it for free years ago. Not for me though.
Thought it would be a funny read and downloaded it for free years ago. Not for me though.
May 20, 2022
Linda Sheehan’s Fore Play is a book that explores the beauty of golf and the intricate lives of those who play it. Set in a fictional Los Angeles sports club called Bellstone, the book’s storyline revolves around three main characters – Jody, Mandy, and Newt. It particularly focuses on the life of Jody – the granddaughter of the club’s founder – Forrest Wheeler.
Traumatized after the death of her grandfather, Jody stops playing golf. But her husband convinces her to try out the sport by joining the Bellstone club. Here, they cross paths with Mandy, Newt, and a host of other characters that significantly affect the couple’s life trajectory.
As Jody gets more involved in golfing and her work as a scientist, she becomes closer and closer to Jackson – a reserved caddy. Moreover, she begins to notice some of her husband’s unpleasant qualities. Ultimately, she, like the reader, comes to realize that all that glitters is not gold.
If there’s one thing that this book does well it’s that it highlights how far some people will go to gain social acceptance and praise. Using the lives of characters like Mandy, the author highlights how important it is for some people to appear rich, beautiful, and successful, regardless of who they hurt to achieve that. On the other hand, characters like Jackson remind us of how society overlooks anyone who seems different, poor, and unwilling to participate in posturing.
Another theme that is deeply explored in this book is the propensity of victims to become oppressors down the road. For instance, Mandy is bullied as a child and grows up to be a bully herself. On the other hand, Father Norm is abused as a child and grows up to manipulate people and the system to do his bidding. Ultimately, their stories parallel so many real-life ones, making them believable and relatable.
The author creates characters that are layered and interesting, making it easy to believe that this book could be inspired by real events. Even the way that the different golf games are described seems so real. It also helps that the book is written in simple language and even includes verses to popular songs that the characters listen to in different scenes.
Fore Play provides a unique and captivating look at life through some intriguing characters. This is a riveting and easy to read sports fiction novel that uses humor to assuage the darker moments of the human drama unfolding in this absorbing story.
Traumatized after the death of her grandfather, Jody stops playing golf. But her husband convinces her to try out the sport by joining the Bellstone club. Here, they cross paths with Mandy, Newt, and a host of other characters that significantly affect the couple’s life trajectory.
As Jody gets more involved in golfing and her work as a scientist, she becomes closer and closer to Jackson – a reserved caddy. Moreover, she begins to notice some of her husband’s unpleasant qualities. Ultimately, she, like the reader, comes to realize that all that glitters is not gold.
If there’s one thing that this book does well it’s that it highlights how far some people will go to gain social acceptance and praise. Using the lives of characters like Mandy, the author highlights how important it is for some people to appear rich, beautiful, and successful, regardless of who they hurt to achieve that. On the other hand, characters like Jackson remind us of how society overlooks anyone who seems different, poor, and unwilling to participate in posturing.
Another theme that is deeply explored in this book is the propensity of victims to become oppressors down the road. For instance, Mandy is bullied as a child and grows up to be a bully herself. On the other hand, Father Norm is abused as a child and grows up to manipulate people and the system to do his bidding. Ultimately, their stories parallel so many real-life ones, making them believable and relatable.
The author creates characters that are layered and interesting, making it easy to believe that this book could be inspired by real events. Even the way that the different golf games are described seems so real. It also helps that the book is written in simple language and even includes verses to popular songs that the characters listen to in different scenes.
Fore Play provides a unique and captivating look at life through some intriguing characters. This is a riveting and easy to read sports fiction novel that uses humor to assuage the darker moments of the human drama unfolding in this absorbing story.
July 21, 2022
The historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its championship golf course, celebrity members, and the White Trumpet Crane, the Club’s official symbol/mascot. Mandy Manville, beautiful southern belle, is the Club’s nine-time female champion. A tenth club championship will cinch her spot with famous golf legends in the Scotland Cialis Open. She is not about to let anyone stand in her way—no matter what it takes on her part, especially when newcomer and collegiate golf champion Jody Benson joins Bellstone. Once Jody proves to be a natural golfer and the better player, Mandy will do anything to stop her from entering the Club’s women’s championship. Throw in a crooked Club president and board, a corrupt priest with ties to the Archdiocese, a detective on the take, an ex-movie star, a pregnant stripper looking for her baby daddy, and you have the ingredients for a rip-roaring novel.
I found Fore Play to be hilarious, and a very addictive page-turner. Many twists occur in the book, a smart, witty, and often dark satire. I thoroughly enjoyed the over-the-top characters and their constant antics, waited for those deserving to get their comeuppance (karma, anyone?), and of course, rooted for the “good guys.” I laughed out loud, sighed, nodded in agreement, and shook my head in disgust. This gem of a book made me feel the gambit of emotions, and I just loved it. Special shout-out to Linda Sheehan for having the foresight to use a hand holding two strategically placed golf balls and a tee on the cover with the title, for the title coming full-circle with the ending, and for the clever character names and quirks throughout. This is my first novel by Ms. Sheehan—but it won’t be the last! Do yourself a favor and grab this book by the, um, cover and read for the fun of it!
I’d like to thank Linda Sheehan and Black Rose Writing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
I found Fore Play to be hilarious, and a very addictive page-turner. Many twists occur in the book, a smart, witty, and often dark satire. I thoroughly enjoyed the over-the-top characters and their constant antics, waited for those deserving to get their comeuppance (karma, anyone?), and of course, rooted for the “good guys.” I laughed out loud, sighed, nodded in agreement, and shook my head in disgust. This gem of a book made me feel the gambit of emotions, and I just loved it. Special shout-out to Linda Sheehan for having the foresight to use a hand holding two strategically placed golf balls and a tee on the cover with the title, for the title coming full-circle with the ending, and for the clever character names and quirks throughout. This is my first novel by Ms. Sheehan—but it won’t be the last! Do yourself a favor and grab this book by the, um, cover and read for the fun of it!
I’d like to thank Linda Sheehan and Black Rose Writing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
October 6, 2022
loved Linda Sheehan’s Decanted last year so when I was offered this tour with her new book I was eager to accept.
About the book
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties.
Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
My thoughts
I have a lot of golfers in my life but I myself, do not golf. It is something I would like to learn in my retirement years, if not sooner. I loved the tongue and cheek of the title with the image. Sheehan does a great job with the multiple POV, and making the characters come alive even though some of them are despicable. Jody was my favorite character and her and her husband Jackson were the most authentic people in the club. Jody was the polar opposite of Mandy and I found myself rooting for Jody to come out on top (always like to see the good guy win).
I didn’t like this book quite as much as Decanted but still enjoyed where Sheehan’s writing transported me.
Read this if you enjoy:
Multiple POV
Golf
Country club setting
About the book
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties.
Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
My thoughts
I have a lot of golfers in my life but I myself, do not golf. It is something I would like to learn in my retirement years, if not sooner. I loved the tongue and cheek of the title with the image. Sheehan does a great job with the multiple POV, and making the characters come alive even though some of them are despicable. Jody was my favorite character and her and her husband Jackson were the most authentic people in the club. Jody was the polar opposite of Mandy and I found myself rooting for Jody to come out on top (always like to see the good guy win).
I didn’t like this book quite as much as Decanted but still enjoyed where Sheehan’s writing transported me.
Read this if you enjoy:
Multiple POV
Golf
Country club setting
July 23, 2023
Fore Play The cover of Fore Play intrigued me. It was too clever not to read this book! The author, Linda Sheehan, crafted an interesting story that gripped me from the start with an introduction about endangered birds. What do white trumpet cranes have to do with golf you ask?
I soon discovered that they are spring and summer residents of the lake at Bellstone Country Club in Los Angeles, and they play an important role in the book. The more I read the more it all made sense.
Now I know absolutely nothing about golf and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to follow the story, however, I didn’t need to be a golfer to enjoy this fun book with its quirky, memorable characters. The more I continued to read I realized the story is about much more than golfing and you’re along for an amusing, fast paced ride.
There are some shady characters involved in selling expensive, rare vintage wines and plenty of the members of the country club are in on the take in one way or another. Hilarious situations with interesting twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next.
I liked the music and movie references, especially the song lyrics spaced here and there were perfect for the time and place in the storyline. Music always brings me fond memories.
My favorite characters were lady golfer Jody Benson, Jackson her caddy, and the eighty-eight-year-old Eddie McDermott who had caddied the most famous of golfers for over sixty years.
I'm so glad that I read this book and I highly recommend Fore Play. I read Linda’s book Decanted first and it was excellent by the way. I like her writing and look forward to reading more books from Linda Sheehan.
I soon discovered that they are spring and summer residents of the lake at Bellstone Country Club in Los Angeles, and they play an important role in the book. The more I read the more it all made sense.
Now I know absolutely nothing about golf and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to follow the story, however, I didn’t need to be a golfer to enjoy this fun book with its quirky, memorable characters. The more I continued to read I realized the story is about much more than golfing and you’re along for an amusing, fast paced ride.
There are some shady characters involved in selling expensive, rare vintage wines and plenty of the members of the country club are in on the take in one way or another. Hilarious situations with interesting twists and turns to keep you guessing what will happen next.
I liked the music and movie references, especially the song lyrics spaced here and there were perfect for the time and place in the storyline. Music always brings me fond memories.
My favorite characters were lady golfer Jody Benson, Jackson her caddy, and the eighty-eight-year-old Eddie McDermott who had caddied the most famous of golfers for over sixty years.
I'm so glad that I read this book and I highly recommend Fore Play. I read Linda’s book Decanted first and it was excellent by the way. I like her writing and look forward to reading more books from Linda Sheehan.
June 6, 2022
I am not a golfer. I do not even watch golf on TV. I am not even a sports fan in general but I loved this book! Sheehan does a fabulous job of blending the actions and decisions of her characters into a tangled web of manipulation, lies, greed, and obsession with a sport. The setting is a Country Club that happens to be located in a spot where a large population of White Trumpet Cranes nest every year. These cranes are both a symbol for the club and a protected species.
The Country Club is called Bellstone and is trying to keep up with and outdo other Country Clubs in the area. The President of the club and his cronies have two focuses for making Bellstone the best. One is getting a female golfer into a tournament at St Anthony’s course in Scotland and the other is opening the finest wine cellar at any Country Club. The annual Country Club Female golfer of the year tournament is just around the corner and Mandy Manville is all set to win once again and fly out to Scotland until Jody Benson joins the club.
You won’t find a more twisted tale of human nature and egos clashing. You won’t find one that is more fun, ridiculous, and yet rings of the possibility of truth. I could not put the book down. I laughed, I grinned, I booed, and I cheered! Shoot, after all this, I might start watching golf! Fore Play is just the read for the top of your summer reading list!
The Country Club is called Bellstone and is trying to keep up with and outdo other Country Clubs in the area. The President of the club and his cronies have two focuses for making Bellstone the best. One is getting a female golfer into a tournament at St Anthony’s course in Scotland and the other is opening the finest wine cellar at any Country Club. The annual Country Club Female golfer of the year tournament is just around the corner and Mandy Manville is all set to win once again and fly out to Scotland until Jody Benson joins the club.
You won’t find a more twisted tale of human nature and egos clashing. You won’t find one that is more fun, ridiculous, and yet rings of the possibility of truth. I could not put the book down. I laughed, I grinned, I booed, and I cheered! Shoot, after all this, I might start watching golf! Fore Play is just the read for the top of your summer reading list!
September 14, 2022
Are you a golfer? Have you ever been? I really wanted to be a golfer and requested a great set of clubs for my college graduation. AND I WAS SO BAD! I blame it on the fact that perhaps the clubs were too long for me but I really need to accept some of the shame myself. I am just not good.
But if I had had a chance to join LA's historic Bellstone Country Club, famous for the star-studded members - maybe I would have tried a bit harder! In Linda Sheehan's Fore Play we are introduced to the Tuesday lady golfers who lunch, Mandy Manville the winning golfer who is not who she says she is, and also Jody Benson a college golf champion who literally grew up at Bellstone and is giving Mandy a challenge - in more ways than one. Oh - and there is also the board who are wasting the wine cellar, the president who places bets with the course's bank account, and a priest who is not following the commandments. Sound like fun? Even if you aren't a golfer this book has a great plot with a lot of twists and surprises. The characters are both interesting and colorful. I found Jody to be the perfect balance to Mandy's over the top personality. I was surprised by many of the characters as they developed during the book. It is a fun RomCom and I enjoyed it. Oh - and there is scandal and wine! I knocked off a star because I feel the cover cound have been a bit less campy to appeal to the reader - but maybe that is just me - as I do judge a book that way!
But if I had had a chance to join LA's historic Bellstone Country Club, famous for the star-studded members - maybe I would have tried a bit harder! In Linda Sheehan's Fore Play we are introduced to the Tuesday lady golfers who lunch, Mandy Manville the winning golfer who is not who she says she is, and also Jody Benson a college golf champion who literally grew up at Bellstone and is giving Mandy a challenge - in more ways than one. Oh - and there is also the board who are wasting the wine cellar, the president who places bets with the course's bank account, and a priest who is not following the commandments. Sound like fun? Even if you aren't a golfer this book has a great plot with a lot of twists and surprises. The characters are both interesting and colorful. I found Jody to be the perfect balance to Mandy's over the top personality. I was surprised by many of the characters as they developed during the book. It is a fun RomCom and I enjoyed it. Oh - and there is scandal and wine! I knocked off a star because I feel the cover cound have been a bit less campy to appeal to the reader - but maybe that is just me - as I do judge a book that way!
December 25, 2022
One never knows what truly goes on behind the scenes at any sporting Event. In this novel by Linda Sheehan , the 2011 ladies’ golf tournament at a fictional country club has so much more behind it than just the number of strokes for each golfer.
The best parts of this book were the character development and how the story had enough twists to stay interesting but not too many that a reader will be confused. The two golfers who were the favorites of the tournament, Mandy Manville (an alias) and Jody Benson, the true protagonist of the story, are both excellent golfers and interesting people. Their spouses, along with a few other key characters (mostly men) are also profiled enough so a reader knows somewhat of what to expect from them.
However, not everyone and everything is given away early and the adventures in how the club President is trying to install a new wine cellar makes for interesting reading. The characters that are scoundrels, like the cheating husband of Jody, are made to look like scum, but not overly so. For just about every aspect of this book, I would call it just right. It isn’t often a fictional sports novel can hold my interest so well, but “Fore Play” did the trick. Heck, there’s even enough golf passages to make it enjoyable for the hard core sports fan that I am.
I wish to thank Book Sirens for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
The best parts of this book were the character development and how the story had enough twists to stay interesting but not too many that a reader will be confused. The two golfers who were the favorites of the tournament, Mandy Manville (an alias) and Jody Benson, the true protagonist of the story, are both excellent golfers and interesting people. Their spouses, along with a few other key characters (mostly men) are also profiled enough so a reader knows somewhat of what to expect from them.
However, not everyone and everything is given away early and the adventures in how the club President is trying to install a new wine cellar makes for interesting reading. The characters that are scoundrels, like the cheating husband of Jody, are made to look like scum, but not overly so. For just about every aspect of this book, I would call it just right. It isn’t often a fictional sports novel can hold my interest so well, but “Fore Play” did the trick. Heck, there’s even enough golf passages to make it enjoyable for the hard core sports fan that I am.
I wish to thank Book Sirens for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
June 27, 2022
Overall Rating = 4.33
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 4.25
Editorial = 4.25
In Fore Play, Bellstone Country Club in Los Angeles is the setting that brings together an eclectic cast of players, including Jody Benson, a likeable and talented golfer, who challenges Mandy Manville, a villainess extraordinaire both on and off the course, in a golf tournament. Their comedic hijinks are aided and abetted by, among others, club president, Newt Sizemore, who is more interested in money than golf; a priest who is more interested in golf than preaching; and a cheating husband who is more interested in golf and money than his wife.
The author demonstrates her skill for both golf and humor in this engaging and funny novel. The action is non-stop on the golf course, in the club, and in the equipment room where things get a little steamy. A motley crew of well-developed characters carries this story through a viciously competitive women’s golf tournament, a plot to divest the club of its wine resources, and the poaching of trumpet cranes for the ‘enhancing’ chemical found in their beaks. It all ties up neatly in the end in true movie-style form.
Sublime Line: “For a rollicking read, Fore Play delivers a hole in one, from the rousing story to the high-voltage characters.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 4.25
Editorial = 4.25
In Fore Play, Bellstone Country Club in Los Angeles is the setting that brings together an eclectic cast of players, including Jody Benson, a likeable and talented golfer, who challenges Mandy Manville, a villainess extraordinaire both on and off the course, in a golf tournament. Their comedic hijinks are aided and abetted by, among others, club president, Newt Sizemore, who is more interested in money than golf; a priest who is more interested in golf than preaching; and a cheating husband who is more interested in golf and money than his wife.
The author demonstrates her skill for both golf and humor in this engaging and funny novel. The action is non-stop on the golf course, in the club, and in the equipment room where things get a little steamy. A motley crew of well-developed characters carries this story through a viciously competitive women’s golf tournament, a plot to divest the club of its wine resources, and the poaching of trumpet cranes for the ‘enhancing’ chemical found in their beaks. It all ties up neatly in the end in true movie-style form.
Sublime Line: “For a rollicking read, Fore Play delivers a hole in one, from the rousing story to the high-voltage characters.”
August 14, 2022
Fasten your seatbelts for a rollicking ride with more twists and turns than a bowl of pretzels.
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties. Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament. Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
If you are looking for an easy to read, fast, with laugh-out-loud moments and a bit of dark humor, you need to pick this book.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 by Linda Sheehan Author released April 7, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
L.A.'s historic Bellstone Country Club is famous for its star-studded membership, championship golf course, and glamorous parties. Here, sexy golfer Mandy Manville is expected to win the club's Women's Golf Championship, which will qualify her to tee it up with legendary golfers in Scotland's Cialis Open. But when ex-college star golfer Jody Benson joins the club, Mandy's beautifully manicured nails become claws as she stops at nothing to keep the newcomer from entering the tournament. Meanwhile, the Bellstone president's bet on an upcoming heavyweight fight could cause an already struggling club to go bust. Add in a corrupt priest with a free membership, a down-and-out ex-movie star working as a caddy, an LAPD cop on the take, a pregnant stripper on the hunt for her baby's daddy, and you'll find yourself laughing, hooting, booing, cheering, and maybe even taking up golf!
If you are looking for an easy to read, fast, with laugh-out-loud moments and a bit of dark humor, you need to pick this book.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 by Linda Sheehan Author released April 7, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
July 13, 2022
First of all, this cover is my vote for the most clever use of 2 golf balls and a tee as an illustration for a book’s premise.
Secondly, this book is just FUN.
It’s like watching a fantastic daytime drama or reading some of my favorite hysterical adult fiction by authors Dave Barry and Carl Hiassen.
It’s set in a swanky golf club in Los Angeles and involves, Mandy, who has been the women’s club champion for 9 years in a row. If she wins this years championship, she gets to go to Scotland to participate in a Pro- Am. But along comes new junior member, Jody, whose grandfather started the club. If Jody decides to play in the tournament, Mandy will need to return all her kilts she ordered to wear to Scotland.
There is also some shady goings on with the club president, a Catholic priest who gets free membership, a new wine room, and Jody’s husband, Derrick.
And there are some white trumpet cranes nesting on club property that are protected, but are in danger of being poached.
This is a fast paced, racy, and entertaining book about a whole bunch of morally gray characters (and some good guys too) who love living large, drinking excessively, and playing golf.
Secondly, this book is just FUN.
It’s like watching a fantastic daytime drama or reading some of my favorite hysterical adult fiction by authors Dave Barry and Carl Hiassen.
It’s set in a swanky golf club in Los Angeles and involves, Mandy, who has been the women’s club champion for 9 years in a row. If she wins this years championship, she gets to go to Scotland to participate in a Pro- Am. But along comes new junior member, Jody, whose grandfather started the club. If Jody decides to play in the tournament, Mandy will need to return all her kilts she ordered to wear to Scotland.
There is also some shady goings on with the club president, a Catholic priest who gets free membership, a new wine room, and Jody’s husband, Derrick.
And there are some white trumpet cranes nesting on club property that are protected, but are in danger of being poached.
This is a fast paced, racy, and entertaining book about a whole bunch of morally gray characters (and some good guys too) who love living large, drinking excessively, and playing golf.
June 23, 2022
This was such a breath of fresh air. An especially great book if you're in the mood for nutty antics and a cast of eccentric characters. I don't know anything about golf, I'm sure it would help if you did, but it wasn't essential to the plot. The author explained who was winning at various points throughout the book, but it never felt like a lecture. There were a few grammatical errors and typos, here and there, but meh, nothing that's going to make anyone nuts.
i really enjoyed how all the various stories came together and nothing felt forced or rushed. It wasn't a 'whodunnit,' it was more of 'are they gonna get caught?' book, and my every guess at an ending was wrong. I loved the HEA blips at the end. I'm a complete sucker for those flash forward future HEAs, all the benefits of reading a series, none of the time input lol.
Golf fans will def enjoy this cozy, and if I ever learn golf I'd probably reread this. I really hope this author writes more, she has a great style of writing.
i really enjoyed how all the various stories came together and nothing felt forced or rushed. It wasn't a 'whodunnit,' it was more of 'are they gonna get caught?' book, and my every guess at an ending was wrong. I loved the HEA blips at the end. I'm a complete sucker for those flash forward future HEAs, all the benefits of reading a series, none of the time input lol.
Golf fans will def enjoy this cozy, and if I ever learn golf I'd probably reread this. I really hope this author writes more, she has a great style of writing.
May 9, 2023
I had read Linda Sheehan's delightful book, Decanted, and was happy to find Fore Play, which is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
I was quickly drawn into the story because of the author's breezy writing style and introduction of interesting characters. I so appreciate a book in which the dialogue is sharp and crisp and moves the story along. In addition, the characters (and there were some doozies!) were all superbly written.
Ms Sheehan is a smart woman who knows a great deal about many subjects. She obviously has had a lot of experience with wine (but I knew that from her first book, Decanted) and golf, and she really pulled me in even further with the great subplot of an endangered species of birds that resided at the golf course.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and learned so much along the way. This author is talented, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
I was quickly drawn into the story because of the author's breezy writing style and introduction of interesting characters. I so appreciate a book in which the dialogue is sharp and crisp and moves the story along. In addition, the characters (and there were some doozies!) were all superbly written.
Ms Sheehan is a smart woman who knows a great deal about many subjects. She obviously has had a lot of experience with wine (but I knew that from her first book, Decanted) and golf, and she really pulled me in even further with the great subplot of an endangered species of birds that resided at the golf course.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and learned so much along the way. This author is talented, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
July 8, 2022
This book was hilarious! I absolutely loved the golf chat, the characters, and the silly antics and situations!
This story takes place in an upscale country club and follows some of the clubs most outrageous members and visitors. There's illegal activity happening, some backstabbing moments, and hilarious shenanigans! So, on top of all the fun in this book, I was really interested in some of the deeper explorations of the characters and how their early lives shaped the person they become.
I would definitely recommend this book for readers that enjoy golf, but there's so much character depth and situations that have nothing to do with golf, that it's not necessary to know or love the game. Just pick this one up and enjoy!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
This story takes place in an upscale country club and follows some of the clubs most outrageous members and visitors. There's illegal activity happening, some backstabbing moments, and hilarious shenanigans! So, on top of all the fun in this book, I was really interested in some of the deeper explorations of the characters and how their early lives shaped the person they become.
I would definitely recommend this book for readers that enjoy golf, but there's so much character depth and situations that have nothing to do with golf, that it's not necessary to know or love the game. Just pick this one up and enjoy!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 1, 2022
I truly did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Fore Play (I love the puns!) is a well written dark comedy, a satirical tale, moody, clever and witty. Linda Sheehan has written brilliant, ebullient characters whose shenanigans are sure to make you both roll your eyes and chuckle.
The story unfolds at the prestigious Bellstone Country Club in California, where the creme de la creme are encouraged to be a part of - and the more the rich and the famous bring themselves to this place, the more convoluted and morally questionable the place and it’s activities become. Amongst all this is our protagonist Jody who was a college pro and is legacy as her grand dad was part of the country club. As the powers that be of the country club work to restore it to its former glory, the antics of its patrons are sure to make you laugh. This one is rollicking good fun! LOVED IT!
The story unfolds at the prestigious Bellstone Country Club in California, where the creme de la creme are encouraged to be a part of - and the more the rich and the famous bring themselves to this place, the more convoluted and morally questionable the place and it’s activities become. Amongst all this is our protagonist Jody who was a college pro and is legacy as her grand dad was part of the country club. As the powers that be of the country club work to restore it to its former glory, the antics of its patrons are sure to make you laugh. This one is rollicking good fun! LOVED IT!
September 1, 2022
LOVED THIS BOOK! I went from feeling sorry for Angie a poor teased little girl, forced to endure teasing and taunts of her classmates, as she stood outside of her only friend's birthday party with no invitation. I loved Jody Benson, who had class, but I hated Derrick, her womanizing, a HOUND DOG husband! As they say once a cheater always a cheater and I felt sorry for Jody for being so trusting. Jody had quit playing golf when her grandfather died while he caddied for her and she knew that it was her fault to let him. I didn't like Amanda when she lied, cheated her way to nine tournament wins at the country club. With playing for the at the club every knew that she win and her name already on it.
September 7, 2022
I am not a golfer, but I am always fascinated by people who play golf. I just find them really interesting! So, I was quite excited to read this one. And, it did not disappoint!
From country clubs to quirky characters, this one had me hooked from start to finish. I turned page after page, often snorting out loud with laughter, long into the night. I fell hard for many of the characters, and definitely found myself becoming a fan of the author!
Linda Sheehan has some major talent for chiseling a 4⭐️ novel. I laughed, I yelled at characters, I became a part of the story. If you want a laugh out loud, captivating read, grab this one up today!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
From country clubs to quirky characters, this one had me hooked from start to finish. I turned page after page, often snorting out loud with laughter, long into the night. I fell hard for many of the characters, and definitely found myself becoming a fan of the author!
Linda Sheehan has some major talent for chiseling a 4⭐️ novel. I laughed, I yelled at characters, I became a part of the story. If you want a laugh out loud, captivating read, grab this one up today!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
December 8, 2022
I tried; I really did - I wanted to love this book I mean the over and the title were just so cheeky - but I just couldn't get into this...I may come back to it later but right now I just can't. For me while there was a great mix of interesting characters, I didn't really know who to focus on or what even the storyline was supposed to be. It was well written, and I could keep the characters separate - which for me is hard sometimes but the author made it clear and gave the characters distinct personalities. but with all that said I just can't seem to get into the storyline, mystery, whatever - so as of now - I haven't finished...
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
July 27, 2022
I love reading books about clubs of the rich. There is always something happening and the people think because they are rich they can get away with anything. This book had a lot going on, but it was a fast read and I couldn’t put it down. There were multiple characters who had gotten themselves into sticky situations and I needed to know how they were going to end up. You do not need to know golf to understand this as it’s more about the people around the club. I loved some character and I disliked others. It keep me guessing and I loved the ending.
Thank you @lindasheehanauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @lindasheehanauthor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
August 26, 2022
Oh boy was this book fun. It was a fast paced look into the shenanigans of rich people at a country club.
The cast of characters are varied in the situations they all find themselves in. Most of them think they can do whatever they want and not suffer the consequences that follow. From Mandy who will stop at nothing to get to the Scottish pro-golf tournament to the club's president using club funds to fund his two story wine cellar on property.
The only people I really liked here were Jody and Jackson. Jody was so sweet to everyone even when she was being looked down on and made fun of and belittled. She was just the epitome of niceness and she didn't deserve all that was thrown at her.
The cast of characters are varied in the situations they all find themselves in. Most of them think they can do whatever they want and not suffer the consequences that follow. From Mandy who will stop at nothing to get to the Scottish pro-golf tournament to the club's president using club funds to fund his two story wine cellar on property.
The only people I really liked here were Jody and Jackson. Jody was so sweet to everyone even when she was being looked down on and made fun of and belittled. She was just the epitome of niceness and she didn't deserve all that was thrown at her.
September 9, 2022
Fore Play by Linda Sheehan was such a fun and flirty and funny book!
The setting is Bellstone Country Golf Club and I loved the multiple point of views from the sketchy people, I LAUGHED so hard. Money, sex, and birds fill this story with the best hijinks. Oh and the sex, this one is steamy in the best possible way!
This book was hard to put down. This is a character driven story, and the characters were well crafted. There are some LOVE to HATE characters. And some you just love.
A HEA that was so much fun getting to!
The setting is Bellstone Country Golf Club and I loved the multiple point of views from the sketchy people, I LAUGHED so hard. Money, sex, and birds fill this story with the best hijinks. Oh and the sex, this one is steamy in the best possible way!
This book was hard to put down. This is a character driven story, and the characters were well crafted. There are some LOVE to HATE characters. And some you just love.
A HEA that was so much fun getting to!
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